FEMA, Red Cross, 1st Call For Help

I woke up optimistic. I know the Lord has a plan, no doubt. If we, as a family have had to go through this to bring love and compassion back to me for my husband, then it's worth it. I've found myself wanting to comfort and help my husband through this time of discouragement in ways I didn't think I had in me. It really has been unexplainable. Two weeks ago I don't think Chris and I liked each other very much; we loved each other, but were really struggling. It's simply unexplainable...just God I guess.

I've been on the phone all morning. I started out calling FEMA. They referred me to The Red Cross. The Red Cross can't help me because they help with the aiding of displaced people due to fire. Being forced out of our home due to a black mold condition is not considered an emergency, but a maintenance problem. They can not help us. They referred me to First Call for Help. They referred me to a Family Housing Shelter, HUD and Community Enterprise. HUD is a four to six month ordeal and meant for extreme poverty situations. We do not qualify. Community Enterprise hasn't returned my call, but has no emergency housing since Ivan. HUD no longer has emergency housing since IVAN either. Right now, our option is a Family Shelter. Now, I'm OK with being broken and having my pride ripped apart, but if I have to choose between a public shelter and camping in a tent at camp grounds...we're going camping! At least that way I can let my kids laugh and cry and scream and play and we can have some sort of privacy! We are checking around to see if any of our friends have campers we can rent for a few months, or for as long as this takes. Our poor pets are being affected by this as well. We are having to close of two different rooms and keep them in the infected house. It breaks my heart. The inspectors yesterday think the mold is in the outside brick as well as the structure and foundation. It's going to be a long road.

Life goes on though...the malls have opened and my sister-in-law is paying for Kayla a pair of shoes for homecoming. My mom is helping with the under garments that go with that sort of thing. We all had doctor appointments yesterday. We all have infections and are being treated with antibiotics (except Kayla...she seems to be good to go). Nonetheless co-pays and medications are necessary in order for this to not get worse.

Be blessed and walk in Him today.

Super Nanny!!!

Have much to update, but running late. Will explain more later, but it appears the structure has been affected by mold and the bricks. Still don't know if insurance will pay. It's being reviewed and pending paperwork. Kids had better night last night. To add a bit of humor to the situation; I shared several months ago that I had applied for the Super Nanny Show. Well, I finally heard from them...YESTERDAY! I got an email and phone call. No kidding. The Lord definitely has a great since of humor! Christopher is due in school in five minutes, I still have to shower... I think he's gonna be late.

Later.

Camping Out At "The Grammy's"

We are at my mother's for the next few nights. It's chaos. Two different insurance adjustor's are coming out in the early a.m. tomorrow. We all have doctor appointments tomorrow. Chris is coughing really bad. When we know more, will let you know.

Black Mold

Mold Mandate's Move

As I write this, my kids are on their way to my mother-in-law's and we are having to pack. We have all been exposed to deadly black mold. The contractor stopped worked immediately. The mold is everywhere and it is worse than any of us could have imagined. I have to go buy the groceries for Pine Summit. They are having to prepare their own meal tonight. Please be praying for their schedule as due to the events of this morning, I am late getting the groceries to the church. The insurance company will have someone out in the next 24 hours. Unfortunately, because the leak occurred over a period of over one year and three different plumbers couldn't find it, the insurance company will not be paying for the repairs of the home. They will not be paying for us to live in a hotel either. As of right now, we have no where to live. If the weather was not as cold we could stay in a tent (which we had discussed seriously). Please keep our family in your prayers during this trying time. We are waiting from our doctor's offices regarding appointments to see if the reason we have all been sick, coughing and headaches is a result from the mold. Roger, I will not be able to lead tomorrow night's meeting. If someone can get in touch with Gail (she's in Marianna visiting family) I won't be able to pick her up from Marianna to get her to Pensacola tomorrow. Please pray for her to find a way here. We will keep you posted. My husband has pictures on his blog of the mold if you are interested. http://www.theviewofthecyclops.blogspot.com/

Oh My Goodness!

I was just taking some of the stuff out of the bottom of the cabinets, and there it was.... MOLD! It has finally grown through the sheet rock and the cabinets. No wonder we are all yucky and sick. I'm attaching pictures. Just think, if it's this bad coming through, what's it like underneath? Yuck.

Kitchen Renovations

Well, it's finally time. The contractor will be out tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to take up the vinyl flooring and the bottom row of cabinets. The insurance adjuster is coming back out on Friday at 8:30 a.m to take more pictures and submit another claim in order to get more money for the repairs. How they came up with what they came up with I'll never understand. They said we only needed two sheets of plywood to replace the floors in the kitchen and the utility room....that's crazy! Anyway, I will be posting pictures of the take-out tomorrow. Our contractor will unfortunately not be able to get back here to repair the floors for two weeks, so we will be putting plastic over the swollen floors and walls where the cabinets are removed. I'll have no kitchen for that two weeks plus the time it will take to make the repairs and hear back from the insurance company. I'll be breaking out the Coleman Stove and using our grill more:)

On another note, Christopher is doing great on the Strattera! Most days he is calm and really good; of course, everyone, even "normal" people have bad days, but I am very pleased with this medication.

We started potty training Kaitlyn this week. I had tried before, but she just couldn't ever seem to grasp hold of it. Kayla has been tag teaming with me. We've been setting the timer every 30 to 40 minutes and making her go sit, even if she says she doesn't have to (by the way, every time we ask, she says she doesn't have to:). Kaitlyn turns three on November 7th. I'd like her to be pull-up free by then.

Kayla is enjoying a more relaxed home school atmosphere. We are working through some of the GED study books along with a lot more research and report writing on her part. She's doing good.

Will post pics tomorrow if I have time before leaving for work. I pick Gail up from Marianna on Thursday. She will be in town for several days.

More later.

The Truth Will Set You Free! (John 8:32)

Hmmm, I have to say my heart is pleased. Life has not been pleasant on the home front for some time. So many times I've wanted to share about it, but didn't want what was going on to be public and didn't want to embarrass my husband. The fact is, while I love my husband and I know he loves me, we have been living different lives, like two ships passing in the shipyard. I've regretted and regretted and I'm sure he has done the same. I was thrilled to make it to our 5th year anniversary, but found myself wondering in the last few months if we really would make it another five. So why can I share now? Well, my husband opened the door. Read on...

My part of this problem is that I put my kids before my husband. My friend Vickie has been praying for me about this because I was playing the "Well he isn't doing his part card, so I'm not going to do my part." She quickly reminded me that I knew better than that. She's also been praying for me about this because I have been at a place where I just haven't been able to pray. I've laid out of church for nearly four weeks. We've had sick kids, I've not been up to par and frankly, Sunday mornings are the only times I can go to the bathroom without my name being called. This morning I was filled with regret for not going, but selfishly, stayed home anyway. The guilt I felt was I didn't want to be one of those parents who make their kids go to church while I lay out! While shooing them out the door in my heart I begged for forgiveness. I just needed some peace and quiet.

I don't normally watch Pensacola Christian on T.V., but this morning while flipping the channel, I was intrigued by a different person preaching. He was molding clay and wearing an apron. Me, being the visual learner I am, had to stop and see what was going on. The preacher went on to share the stories of how God wants to bless us and while we sometimes prevent that, (as sinners) He can still use us. It might not be for the beautiful vase He had originally intended (that's my interpretation), but even as a broken vessel it (we) can still be used. (I encourage you to get the tape, I know I will be.) I then began reflecting over the past few months of my life. Is He breaking me? Is all the c-r-a-p (I'm spelling it because I don't like that word...:) that has occurred over the last few months because I have simply refused to put my husband before my kids? "Naah, couldn't be," I thought. Then I thought, "Or could it be?" What if it is? What if all the c-r-a-p is because of my direct disobedience to the call of Christ to put my husband first (second to Christ that is). While typing, the Lord just revealed to me that by not putting my husband first, I was actually putting Christ last as well. That hurts. My prayer this morning, my first prayer in many days, is that I asked the Lord to help me put my husband before the kids. Help me to love him, help me to give him the needs he has and help me...just help me. I wasn't going to say anything to anybody, but just try, and see if it made a difference, until I read my husband's post from today. It spoke to my heart as I know it will yours as well. http://musingsofanunquietmind.blogspot.com/ It took great courage for my husband to write and speak the truth. I am very proud of him. I can't wait to be able to look at my husband with the same love and adoration I once looked at him with. I hope it comes back quickly. Please be praying for us. Satan will be working even harder to destroy us since we have both recognized problems in the camp, so to speak, and are both publicly voicing that we want our lives together, our home, to be better. Pray for our kids too, Kayla, Christopher, and Kaitlyn.

Thanks for letting me be real.

Correction To Post

I just changed the email address to Don and Jen on my Friday post regarding 10 (Tin) Year Anniversary. If you've tried emailing them and it was returned, please try again with the correct email address. Thanks and sorry.

God Bless.

Countdown To Christmas...60 Days!

I love the Christmas Holiday's. It seems the retail stores are starting earlier and earlier every year. I used to walk in the stores and dread the decorations and get frustrated because it wasn't even Halloween or Thanksgiving, but for some reason, that doesn't seem to bother me anymore. I don't like Halloween and struggle with letting my kids participate. Halloween is Kayla's favorite, she loves the decorations, the movies, the costumes. Me, I just assume not even recognize it. I've been glued to QVC all morning. Usually I am chomping at the bits and worrying and fretting over gifts and shopping; and even with all the stress and concerns going on in our lives right now, buying gifts doesn't seem to be priority for me. I do; however, look forward to decorating for Christmas! I love the decorations, the Nativity scenes, the candles, the baking. It's simply a beautiful time of year, not only because of the decorating, but because we celebrate the Birth of my Savior, who came to live and die so that I could live. What a gift!

Have a great weekend.

10 (TIN) Year Anniversary

I was listening to WEGS 91.7 this morning. Dale had Don and Jen on the air with them. They were celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary today. In recognition of their 10 year anniversary, they are renewing their vows. What is even more admirable though, is that they 91.7 FM are asking their friends and family to donate canned goods to a food pantry of their choice, whether to a church food pantry or food bank, whatever you choose. When you do that, they want to know about it. To date, just friends and family have given over 600 cans of food. (They came up with this idea because when they researched gifts for a ten year anniversary, it stated tin, aluminum.) If I'm not mistaken, the goal was for 1,000 cans of food to be given. If you would like more information on this, you can email Dan and Jen at: donandjen@hotmail.com or you can reach Dale at 850-505-3514 or you can reach him online at the link provided under "My Links." Put Happy Anniversary or can drive in the subject line. They can keep you posted on how many cans of food have been donated. I plan on making my donation to Olive Baptist's food pantry. I hope you make yours to your choice pantry and please help spread the word about this ministry.

God Bless.

I'm Seeking, I'm Seeking....But I Can't Find You!

These last few days have been trying. I am weary. My youngest is sick now, Christopher missed three days of school from being sick, I have had a headache for days and I have a sinus infection. Every time I do and try the further back I get shoved. I try and try but every effort just fails...I just don't understand. We got just about everything ready for our garage sale just to find out we had rain coming Thursday and Friday. We covered everything up we could with tarps. We had no idea we would have the wind we did. The tarps came off. All the electrical stuff is ruined, the clothes, sheets, blankets and linens are soaked. Do I spend my money to wash and dry it all knowing it probably won't sell and I wouldn't make enough to pay for doing so? The purpose of this garage sale was to go towards an outrageous electric bill.... not to make it higher and spend more money on my water! Oh this is insane. You know, I know Jesus was tested in every way we are, but I sure would like to know what the purpose is on this and just how He would have handled this situation. I know He didn't have a roof over His head, I know He didn't have a wife and kids and I know He didn't worry about paying bills, buying clothes because they simply are worn slap out or just don't fit any more, and I know what the Bible says, Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and all these things will be provided." Well, I've been seeking, and seeking and doing and doing, and it's not working. I'm really overwhelmed here and I am really struggling. My family order is out of wack, nothing is going right. My heart is heavy and angry. I can't even pray; seems too hypocritical.

Insurance Claims

Just got some discouraging news. The insurance company is only willing to pay $4500 for the repairs that need to be made to the floors, cabinets, walls and utility room floor and baseboards. The estimate for taking out the floors, cabinets, laying new floors, baseboards and putting in the vinyl was right at $10,000; not including the cabinets or the labor to install them.

Not sure about anything right now. Seems the harder we try to move forward, the more we get shoved backwards.

When I don't understand, I have to have faith. When I don't understand, I have to have faith. When I don't understand, I have to have faith, When I don't understand, I have to have faith.

Jehova Jireh

My sister left to go home yesterday; woke up missing her. I wish she and Ron were closer to us. We had great visits this weekend from my brother, his wife and son, my mom, my dad, and of course Michelle. Life shouldn't be so busy that we can't take time for family. It just shouldn't.


We have had several challenges come our way, the biggest one being a $700 electric bill! We had transfer fees, deposits, a past due amount and two current amounts on one months bill! We've been paying on it every pay period from months now. Our church helped us a few months ago just before the move, but with everything going on with Christopher's doctor visits and medications not being covered by insurance, we have just struggled. This past week I got an email from a friend of mine. Their church had a huge mission yard sale. Normally they donate what isn't sold to Waterfront Mission, but she asked if I wanted it to try getting some money to go towards the power bill and I said, YES! It took two trips with the seats out of the van and piled high, but we got all the stuff over here. There are some things that will just have to be thrown away, but I'm hoping for a good turn out for what we do have. There's a lot of kitchen mugs, and what-nots, crystal pieces, punch cups, picture frames, vases, lamps, clothing, blankets and sheets and toys. I started working on it yesterday afternoon. My side and back yard looks like a mess. If I was my neighbor, I'd be worried! There was just so much stuff I had to start spreading it out and seeing what there was and how I was going to organize it all. I'm no where near being done; but have this week to finish up. We'll start at 7 a.m. Saturday, so please be praying for clear weather this week and a good turn out! I'm selling almost everything for a quarter, a dime and a few items marked specifically. It's amazing what the Lord will do to meet a need.


Christopher seems to be doing well on the Strattera. Waiting to see what, if any the insurance company will pay. Christopher has had a cold since Friday. Yesterday by bed time he barely had a voice. This morning he woke up coughing.


Kayla is looking for a dress for homecoming. Hoping to find something this week at one of the consignment shops.


Kaitlyn is Kaitlyn:) That's all I can say.


I've been real tired lately. Don't know what's going on, can't seem to get enough sleep and struggle with keeping my eyes open. It's affecting everything, even my time with the Lord. Oh, I do want to share the morning devotional I read this morning. I'm going to copy and paste it below. It was very appropriate for me this morning. Sometimes what we need the most is right in front of us and we don't even know it, but He knows it, and that's all that matters.


More later, until then, be blessed:)



Today's Prayer


Dear Father in Heaven, This day I look up and remember how it is you who created all and who owns the cattle upon the hills, the water that springs from the earth, the skies that span our view, and everything good. It is you who can provide for and bless the earth and the inhabitants thereof. I pray for the many people who are in difficult circumstances right now and need a touch to help them with their basic needs. I pray for those who need financial income to pay their living expenses, those who need jobs to bring in that income, who need good health to be able to do those jobs; and for those whose jobs do not provide sufficient income for their needs. I pray also for those who have the income, but do not know how to properly manage it for the best outcome. And I pray for those who have much and can give much. Please, connect the right people with jobs, and the right people with the right people, to do what needs to be done. I pray that you will meet every need; that you will bless the lives of those who follow your guidance and those who are thankful for what you provide. Hear the cries of the needy. I pray you will bless those who give from the abundance you have allowed them to have, for sharing and ministering in ways that others cannot. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Jehovah JirehTGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman10-20-2008

"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs" (Phil 2:25-26).

I got onto the bus with the other delegates attending a workplace conference in South Africa. It was a season in my life in which I had experienced many losses both financially and relationally. God was stripping away the old wineskin and creating a new one. One of the things He was teaching me was that He - not my skills, not my work - was my provider of financial needs during this season of training.

God provided me the means to attend the conference. One day before the registration deadline, a man came to my office and gave me $2500 and told me I was to go. Now, a man had just placed an envelope into my hand. "Here, God says I'm to give this to you. Inside are 10 crisp American $100 bills - $1000!" The man was from Kuwait.

Every believer needs to come to know Christ as their provider. Jehovah Jireh means God is my provider. When God called the Israelites from their place of slavery they had to walk through the desert. There is no way to earn a living in the desert. So God provided manna each day for them. Sometimes He even brought water from rocks. They had to experience a new way of gaining provision that was not rooted in sweat and toil. God had to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh to His people.

There were times when Paul's tent making business was not the way God would provide for him. God often uses others as His instrument of provision. So, God sent Epaphroditus to take care of Paul's needs.

Do you know God as your provider? Do you have a need? Place your need before the Lord today and ask Him to demonstrate His faithfulness as Jehovah Jireh.

Pictures From Dad's Visit Saturday

Christopher, Dad & Jon

Pappow with Christopher and Kaitlyn..and the cats

Christopher and Kaitlyn with Bandit and Baghera

:)

Jon, Stacey, Michelle and Dad

Grammy with Kayla


Together again....

Kaitlyn, Me, Jon, Michelle, Pappow, Christopher, Grammy & Kayla

Death Was Imminent....

I just got off the phone with my ex-husband, Kayla's dad. His brother, Mat, the one I asked for prayers for several weeks ago, passed away today. His physical and emotional body has been through physical turmoil these last few months. As the doctor stated, he was 51 in an 81 year old man's body. Alcohol had completely destroyed his entire body. I tried several times to get in touch with a nurse in order to share the gospel, but for some reason the Lord never allowed that to happen. It was Kayla's desire to see him come to the Lord before he died as well. As a child I know Matt, along with all his siblings, were forced to go to church. My only hope is that in the last few months, with him knowing death was imminent, that he clang to the Hope and Cross of Jesus Christ and asked Him to be his Lord and Savior.

Please pray for the family of Matt Russell; for his parents, Nick and Sarah Russell, for his siblings, Debbie, Diane, Mark and Mike (Kayla's dad). Please also be praying for Kayla. She is at the fair with Justin tonight, then is working tomorrow morning from 8 a.m. till noon and then we have my dad coming in town for another family gathering. She doesn't read my blog, so I'm not worried about her seeing this; however, I don't want to take away from the excitement of seeing family tomorrow. Please just pray for the timing and that the Lord will give me the words to say. I know Kayla will be upset, I know the first thing she is going to say is, "I should have called and shared Jesus with him." This is going to be hard for her.

Seize every moment.

Thursday Night Dinner

Michelle

Christopher & Kaitlyn

Just hangin' round

Michelle & Kayla

Jon & Kayla

Cody, Angie, Jon, Kayla, Christopher, Kaitlyn, Chris, Me, Michelle (left to right)

Michelle, Jon, Me

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"She's lost her mind...oh, I get it...rock, paper, scissors!"

Aunt Chelle trying to love on Kaitlyn.

Christopher & Uncle Jon trying to get Kaitlyn to take a picture. She was pouting most of the night.

Uncle Jon with Christopher

Angie & Cody

"Where's the baby?"

"It's in there?!"

Love the baby....

Aunt Chelle & Christopher

Michelle & Jon

Uncle Jon & Christopher

Michelle, Mom, Jon & Me

The only thing missing...Dad, Mammow, & Pappow!

Pensacola...Interstate Fair

The fair opens today in Pensacola. There are concerts nightly, fun rides, the smell of yum - yum food; did I mention fun rides?! Kayla and Justin will be going tomorrow night. There are two concerts they want to see and it's also Midnight Madness. I'm probably more relaxed about them going early and staying later than Chris is because I LOVE the fair; Chris, well, let's just say...NOT! We haven't been in a few years, Lord willing we'll make it next year! I'm attaching their website so you can get concert information, hours, and pricing. Enjoy!


http://www.pensacolafair.com/

Now, for the highlight of today's post! MY SISTER IS HOME!! She looks soooo good! We met at Zaxby's parking lot yesterday morning so I could see her for a moment and get a hug before heading to Pine Summit for cooking. Man she looks great! I was hoping to have my dad and extended family over Saturday for dinner, but my brother's work schedule doesn't permit, so my brother and his family will be here tonight for dinner and visiting. Michelle got to have 3D pictures and a 4D DVD made yesterday! I got see the pictures, but mom's computer wouldn't let her play the DVD. I told her if she doesn't bring the DVD tonight then she doesn't get to eat:) After I got through cooking at Pine Summit I dropped by to visit. I got to feel the baby kick! It was awesome! I know this is crazy, but with all the chaos, all the medical stuff, if we could afford another child, I'd have one in a heartbeat! For some reason, I just can't get past that desire for wanting more children. I know...crazy.

I have a busy day today. Am attaching a few pics from the Zaxby's parking lot:) The picture of Michelle with Kayla did not turn out, so will post more of them tonight or tomorrow after every one's gone.

Be blessed...

Life Is Busy

First, a cool thing happened this morning. My devotional in the Journey was about treasures in clay pots! I love when the Lord gives me the hug I need. He just continued what He had started showing me yesterday.

My sister flies in today. She wasn't due till tomorrow, but I am glad she is coming today! Her flight arrives while I am cooking....today is going to drag by. I can't wait to get my hands on her! My sister and I are ten years apart. Michelle was two when I left home. On a brutally honest level, she and I never liked each other. I was jealous of her that she was always what I never could be, and for her, she never knew me and what she did know was that I was just trouble. When I first came back to Pensacola, not because I wanted to, but because I was homeless, I bullied my way in to my mom's home. Oh boy...haven't we come a long way! In ten short years, I've been here twelve, mine and my sister's relationship has just blossomed. We don't talk much, don't see each other much, but my sister loves me now, and I love her. I realize I sure can't make up for lost time, and don't try to, but what I do try to do is grasp every minute I can and treasure it. I try to live my life with no regrets. When my time comes, my family will know that I love them, that I am grateful for their forgiveness over my past harm to them, but more than anything, they will know I love Jesus and that I give Him the credit for the change in my life. Now, enough of that mooshy mumbo jumbo that tears me up!

Yesterday I took the kitten to the vet. We didn't know if it was a boy or a girl; however, my gut told me it was a boy. I am not right very often, though I like to think I am, but this time, I was right! We had a coupon for new shots or we would have had to wait. Anyway, Bandit was not himself at all yesterday. He likes to crawl up behind our roll top desk and get in the bottom drawer. It's hilarious. When we can't find him, Fancy can.

The pics didn't turn out that great. The first one is the desk with the drawer pulled out where he likes to crawl into. The next one is him sitting in the open space, the third one, he is in the drawer with it in the desk and the fourth one, well it says it all:)

Yesterday, Chris and Kayla also worked on a school project that benefited me! My mom gave us a table with chairs and umbrella some time ago. Chris took the bricks we had on hand and made a section for the table to rest on. He used math, of course, to figure out how many bricks he would need to fill in a certain amount of space. He taught Kayla how to put math into action. It was cool. There next project is to make the space large enough to allow the chairs to sit. Kayla has to measure out how much space is needed and how many bricks will be needed to fill that space. It's pretty cool.

Almost time to get the boy up...

Have a blessed day:)

What Do Pullin' Weeds, Refined As Silver And Cracked Pots Have In Common?

Yesterday, Kayla (my oldest) and I had the opportunity to do something nice for somebody very special to us. I had wanted Kayla to sweep off the porch and pull weeds, but there were so many weeds she didn't want to do that (Kayla does not like to get dirty!); however, once she got the porch swept and saw that it would look nice to pull, "Just a few" she realized that you can't just "pull a few weeds" and make a difference. This turned in to three hours of pulling weeds. Kayla's words to me were "pulling weeds is addictive!" I instantly thought of how the Lord is constantly pulling things out of our lives, that it's not just one or two things and then we are left alone, but it's a bunch of little things being weaned in and out of our lives to eventually get us to completion (which will not be on this earth I might add). When I think of things being weaned in and out I think of the silversmith, how he is constantly working the black yuck (I think it's called dross?) out of the silver to finally bring forth this beautiful, shiny piece of silver; that's how our walk with the Lord is...like having a bunch of weeds pulled, being refined as silver and gold...I think of a cracked pot...isn't like the Lord to use someone who carries so much junk...He can use us! He wants to use us! So what does pulling weeds, refined as silver and cracked pots have in common? You, me...being willing. Hmmm, I can see another devotional in the works on this one!

We have appointments all morning and more home school books to pick up this afternoon.

Blessings...

Get That Stick Out Of Your Mouth!

I cannot tell you how many times I have told my youngest daughter to keep sticks out of her mouth. I don't know what the deal is, but I think she finally learned her lesson this weekend. In her normal "finding out things the hard way," she got jabbed in the throat with a stick in her mouth. She had two scratched areas that did bleed, but the one of concern was located on the back of her throat close to her tonsils. I took her to Sacred Heart Urgent Care where the nurses there and the doctor were outstanding! They took us right in and were just gentle and sweet and loving to a scared 2 1/2 year old. No stitches were needed, were instructed to keep a close eye on it and let her drink cool liquids and soft foods... she liked that as we stopped by Wendy's on the way home for a Frosty! She seems to be doing great. Eating and drinking fine by Sunday.

Christopher's medication has been changed. We were hoping to not put him on any medications, that altering his diet would be enough; unfortunately, Christopher's ADHD is on a full spectrum and he just has to have that help to slow down and focus. We are trying Straterra. This thrills me as it stays in his system for 24 hours. Unfortunately, we have to go through the entire insurance approval again as Straterra is only approved for kids 6 and over. With Straterra being pricey, we will just have to see what happens. I know Christopher has been getting prayed for, not only by me, but by many others and that the Lord is in control and make sure Christopher is on the medication he needs to be on.

Kayla's Home School evaluator has completely changed our outlook on homeschooling! It's wonderful! I really thought it was all about pen and paper and books and sitting and drilling it in, but it's not. It's teaching life application and putting that math into work and writing reports on what you do...it's amazing. Kayla and I are both more at ease now.

We have a busy week. My sister is flying home Wednesday for a few days! I am so excited!! I haven't seen her in several years and have missed her. I can't wait to hug her and then put my hands on her belly and feel that precious baby kicking inside her! I will definitely post pictures throughout her visit.

We are still waiting on the insurance company to come through with a check for our kitchen. Waiting is tough. Jim, the Cabinet Clerk from Lowe's, called yesterday to let us know the cabinets I had picked out were 20% off. Hmm... maybe that's why the discount?!

My husband just brought Christopher back in, the bus driver left Christopher again because she came before his pick up time. We changed his bus stop to Davis because she couldn't make the turn around on the cul-de-sac we live on; you would think she would call us if she is running early. This is crazy.

Home School Evaluation

As I mentioned a few days ago, Kayla had her home school evaluation on Thursday. I would like to recommend Rita Little to anyone that is not only needing a child evaluated but also for a consultation to find out what is required of students being home schooled. It has completely changed my outlook on homeschooling. Friends of mine kept telling me I am making it too hard, but I just didn't get it. I was making it all books, paper and pencil and no fun curriculum. Rita's email is ritlit117@cox.net if you are interested.

We have completely taken Christopher off of Ritalin. We weaned him off in order to put him through withdrawals. We were hoping just the diet change would help Christopher; unfortunately, that is not so for him. I spoke with Christopher's doctor in length about my concerns of the side affects he was having on the Ritalin and she understood why we took him off. I also mentioned to her about Attend. After a thorough and long discussion we are tyring him on Straterra. It also is not approved for Christopher's age, so we are going to have to go through the process of approval all over again. At least Dr. Andrews is giving us samples for now though.

My husband is doing more and more things to surprise me all the time. When he opened the email about the kittens needing a home; he looked at me and said, "Go get that one." Chris has never been a cat person, this totally shocked me. I saw the people that had the kittens on Wednesday at Pine Summit and asked about them. To say the least, the one Chris wanted was available and (it) came home. When I walked in carrying a box with it in there, he about jumped out of the chair and was grinning from ear to ear. It was adorable, like he was a little kid again. What's even cuter is that when Chris walks in the room, the cat walks right up to him. It can be whining, he picks it up and it stops. Now, the last two nights, she has crawled up under his chin and slept. It is absolutely adorable. Fancy (our American Eskimo) just loves her too. She walks around licking it and playing with her. Baghera has finally come around too and plays with it.

Anybody that knows my husband knows he just does not smile very often. I had just taken a picture of him and said, "Can't you smile just once?!" This was his response instantly! I just had to post it.

We are officially done with the animals, we are done with children...we are just done. I'm at my max in every area, mentally, physically and especially financially.

Time to head outside for the day. More later.